Regional Trend Clusters

Chinese food and Japanese sushi restaurants alike are beginning to roll out fried cream cheese wonton as an appetizer dish. The combination of cream cheese with a traditional Chinese wonton leads to a crispy, oily shell that houses savory cream cheese, often served with sweet & sour dipping sauce.

Megatrends

ExperienceHybridizationNostalgia

Ice cream manufacturers are drawing on the traditional Southeast Asian dishes made with pandan to inspire their recipes. These brands transform the original recipes with additional ingredients—such as coconut milk—that make them more fitting for the sweet, creamy flavor palates of ice cream.

Megatrends

Co-creationExperienceNostalgia

Restaurants across North America and Europe are now incorporating Croffles into their menus. Croffles originated in South Korea and are a hybrid croissant-waffle, resulting in a flaky, light pastry that can be topped with ingredients and enjoyed as any meal or snack throughout the day.

Megatrends

CurationExperienceMultisensation

Designers are proposing various high-tech solutions that will help individuals in rural areas get around with ease. These innovations are focused on bringing functionality and convenience to communities, as well as a more eco-friendly approach to public transportation.

Megatrends

CatalyzationExperience

Brands are launching specially curated and accessibly priced gift boxes that feature products from small businesses and local artisans. These initiatives are not only effective in satisfying a consumer need but also provide relief for independent businesses, impacted during the ongoing pandemic.

Megatrends

CurationMany to ManySimplicity

Many financial institutions—from traditional to digital-first banks—are attempting to reach rural communities with the help of technology. The movement calls for improved banking access through the implementation of small ATMs, biometric readers, cloud-based platforms and more.

Megatrends

CatalyzationTribalism

Developers are utilizing data and analytics to identify areas that are dangerous for health, social or political reasons. The technology is available to consumers through mobile applications, making it convenient to use in real-time and on-the-go.

Megatrends

CatalyzationSimplicity

Yerba mate has traditionally been consumed as a tea in South America, but today packaged beverage brands in North America are leaning into the herb as a healthful flavor option. This speaks to the desire North American consumers have to experiment with wellness solutions from around the world.

Megatrends

CatalyzationNaturalitySimplicity

By leveraging ice cream as an exploratory platform, brands are allowing consumers to experience new cultures via regional flavors, but with the security of the familiar dessert concept.

Megatrends

AuthenticityExperienceTribalism